What is this stuff? Do I need to redo it??

[00pipirose]

This stuff is on top of my 1988 aluminum roof. I've already removed about 95% of it as it was cracked and brittle, not water tight anymore. I'm wondering what the heck it is and whether or not I need to redo it? I'm assuming that the previous owner put this stuff on and it's just kinda slapped on there, not very cleanly. I'm also wondering if I can just put some sealant where needed instead? The only problem is that when removing the white stuff I found a few small holes-can sealant be used to seal these up as well?

[ststefan]

by the looks of it, yes you need to re-do it. If that's a stick-built I would check the walls for dry rot as well.

[00pipirose]

Do you know what this stuff is called?

[ststefan]

Originally Posted by 00pipirose

Do you know what this stuff is called?

I'm not sure what it's called but I think it's the rubber roof sealant that most stick built trailers come with. Looks like it's dried out and hardened. Dycor makes a version of it. Take the picture to an RV dealer and they could recommend the right stuff.

[Al in PA]

You want to peal/pry off the old sealant. Replace it with Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant.


https://www.campingworld.com/self-le...iABEgKlIvD_BwE

[Flydog]

Not sure what it is but you can use Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant. Clean area well with mineral spirits and apply (follow directions). You can order from Amazon.

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by ststefan

I'm not sure what it's called but I think it's the rubber roof sealant that most stick built trailers come with. Looks like it's dried out and hardened. Dycor makes a version of it. Take the picture to an RV dealer and they could recommend the right stuff.

I've never had the Dycor rubber roof sealant dry out like this. It looks like a different sealant that is a type of caulk. Would need to be removed carefully and use the Dycor rubber roof sealant around pipes, etc. My 2012 RV has not dried out at all with the Dycor sealant.

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by 00pipirose

This stuff is on top of my 1988 aluminum roof. I've already removed about 95% of it as it was cracked and brittle, not water tight anymore. I'm wondering what the heck it is and whether or not I need to redo it? I'm assuming that the previous owner put this stuff on and it's just kinda slapped on there, not very cleanly. I'm also wondering if I can just put some sealant where needed instead? The only problem is that when removing the white stuff I found a few small holes-can sealant be used to seal these up as well?

Looks like a cheap caulk of some kind. Yes remove all of it that you can. Then follow directions on the Dycor rubber sealant and reseal it all. We've had good luck with the Dycor. It cannot be used around windows as it runs that is why it is used on the roof area. Clean the area around the small holes and put some over them. Dycor is quite thin compared to other caulk and will flatten out so clean the area for a ways around the small holes. I've never seen Dycor crack like that as it is rubber and rubber doesn't crack open. For anyone that has a rubber roof check to make sure the sealant you get can be used on the rubber roof.

[Flydog]

Originally Posted by Jann Todd

It cannot be used around windows as it runs that is why it is used on the roof area.

Dicor does make a non-self leveling sealant that can be used for vertical applications.

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by Flydog

Dicor does make a non-self leveling sealant that can be used for vertical applications.

I was not aware of that. We've always gotten the self-leveling for the top of the RV because it levels out nicely without us having to try and make it look good. I will keep this in mind for windows if I ever need it.

[Peder_y2k]

Could even be old faded dried roofing tar, that is very effective when new.

[k corbin]

Since you have already removed most of it there is no point in worrying about what it was because it is now history

[Geronimo John]

Not necessarily true. If it contained some portion of silicon, then likely you will need to go back with a silicon based product. I support the suggestion above of taking a sample and picture of the existing to a pro and getting a recommendation as to what will stick and what will not.